Hi friends,
I've been asked to share my experience with diy brush finishing. The first mod I did was a GGTS and Ody some time ago, and I was surprised at how easy it was to get very satisfactory results with very little effort and no tools. Polished mods are of course very beautiful, but if you're like me, the finger prints and "slimy" feeling of polished SS after you've handled it all day will annoy you. So one day I came across a 3M abrasive pad I had lying around and decided to take a chance at brushing the polished finish. From then on I've been experimenting with different abrasive materials and have concluded that 3M polishing papers are the easiest to work with as well as the most forgiving. Specifically, for my tastes anyway, the 30 micron version here http://www.ottofrei.com/3M-Polishing-Paper-8000-Grit-1-Micron-Color-Light-Green.html. I also use the package kit to aid in bringing back scuffed up pieces that I want polished. It's a great product and works wonders without having to use power tools and buffing wheels. They are wet/dry papers and can be washed and reused. For brushed finish, the 30 micron gives a very nice, consistent satin brush look. And unlike a polished ss finish, refurbishing a brushed finish is VERY easy. So if you want to maintain an everyday use mod to keep it looking nice, this is an excellent way to do it. It stays nice all day without the annoying finger prints, and after a month or two of scuffs and scratches, it literally takes 5 minutes to get it back to looking like new (providing the scratches aren't deep).
If there were a "secret" to getting good results, I would say this paper is it. I have found that coarser materials are harder to get uniform results. Not that it can't be done, just that it's more difficult.
I started brushing my 18650 Esterigon tube this morning and it took me less than 15 minutes to be satisfied with the results. Fold a small piece of 3m paper in half as this makes it easier to work with. Place your tube on the paper so that less than half of it is over the edge and hold it with one hand, with your finger along the tube. Then with your other hand, simply turn the tube as though you were screwing it. I don't recommend putting too much lateral force as your turning it though. A little it okay, just go slow and don't make any sudden movements. The turning itself can be fast, that's okay. Just not other movements. Turn like this for a few minutes, then flip the tube over to so the other side, making sure you overlap what you've already done. The pressure applied with your fingers should not be too firm because you want to be able to turn it freely. And try to apply even pressure throughout the process. Continue to do this until you are satisfied with the results. I think you'll be amazed at how little time it takes.
It's also an excellent way to make a beat up device look nice again before you put it in the classies...and will bring more interest to your listing
Tips;
1. Make sure your tube and hands have been washed and are free of oil before you start
2. After brushing one end, use a new, clean area of paper and wipe the tube down to remove any small particles and oil from your fingers before you brush the other end.
3. Carefully remove your tube from the paper, as this is when you can get "unwanted" scratches.
4. Don't try to completely wrap the tube in paper as this can inhibit turning the tube smoothly
5. And lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different grits (coarseness). If you want an even silkier look, try the 15 micron. If you want a more pronounced brush, I recommend the 3m pads as they are also easier to work with than sandpaper. Sandpaper tends to grab the mod and makes it harder to turn smoothly so I don't recommend it.
That's pretty much it. Don't be afraid. If you mess up a little, it can easily be corrected.
And to answer Rina's question, yes, you can do your whole Esterigon if want to. Just remove the button first of course.
Hopefully I havent left anything out (its sooo simple), but if anyone has any further questions Ill answer to the best of my experience.
I would also invite anyone else with experience to add any tips that I may have left out.
package kit
this paper is a little too long but it worked fine for me
polish/brush mix
I've been asked to share my experience with diy brush finishing. The first mod I did was a GGTS and Ody some time ago, and I was surprised at how easy it was to get very satisfactory results with very little effort and no tools. Polished mods are of course very beautiful, but if you're like me, the finger prints and "slimy" feeling of polished SS after you've handled it all day will annoy you. So one day I came across a 3M abrasive pad I had lying around and decided to take a chance at brushing the polished finish. From then on I've been experimenting with different abrasive materials and have concluded that 3M polishing papers are the easiest to work with as well as the most forgiving. Specifically, for my tastes anyway, the 30 micron version here http://www.ottofrei.com/3M-Polishing-Paper-8000-Grit-1-Micron-Color-Light-Green.html. I also use the package kit to aid in bringing back scuffed up pieces that I want polished. It's a great product and works wonders without having to use power tools and buffing wheels. They are wet/dry papers and can be washed and reused. For brushed finish, the 30 micron gives a very nice, consistent satin brush look. And unlike a polished ss finish, refurbishing a brushed finish is VERY easy. So if you want to maintain an everyday use mod to keep it looking nice, this is an excellent way to do it. It stays nice all day without the annoying finger prints, and after a month or two of scuffs and scratches, it literally takes 5 minutes to get it back to looking like new (providing the scratches aren't deep).
If there were a "secret" to getting good results, I would say this paper is it. I have found that coarser materials are harder to get uniform results. Not that it can't be done, just that it's more difficult.
I started brushing my 18650 Esterigon tube this morning and it took me less than 15 minutes to be satisfied with the results. Fold a small piece of 3m paper in half as this makes it easier to work with. Place your tube on the paper so that less than half of it is over the edge and hold it with one hand, with your finger along the tube. Then with your other hand, simply turn the tube as though you were screwing it. I don't recommend putting too much lateral force as your turning it though. A little it okay, just go slow and don't make any sudden movements. The turning itself can be fast, that's okay. Just not other movements. Turn like this for a few minutes, then flip the tube over to so the other side, making sure you overlap what you've already done. The pressure applied with your fingers should not be too firm because you want to be able to turn it freely. And try to apply even pressure throughout the process. Continue to do this until you are satisfied with the results. I think you'll be amazed at how little time it takes.
It's also an excellent way to make a beat up device look nice again before you put it in the classies...and will bring more interest to your listing
Tips;
1. Make sure your tube and hands have been washed and are free of oil before you start
2. After brushing one end, use a new, clean area of paper and wipe the tube down to remove any small particles and oil from your fingers before you brush the other end.
3. Carefully remove your tube from the paper, as this is when you can get "unwanted" scratches.
4. Don't try to completely wrap the tube in paper as this can inhibit turning the tube smoothly
5. And lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different grits (coarseness). If you want an even silkier look, try the 15 micron. If you want a more pronounced brush, I recommend the 3m pads as they are also easier to work with than sandpaper. Sandpaper tends to grab the mod and makes it harder to turn smoothly so I don't recommend it.
That's pretty much it. Don't be afraid. If you mess up a little, it can easily be corrected.
And to answer Rina's question, yes, you can do your whole Esterigon if want to. Just remove the button first of course.
Hopefully I havent left anything out (its sooo simple), but if anyone has any further questions Ill answer to the best of my experience.
I would also invite anyone else with experience to add any tips that I may have left out.
package kit
this paper is a little too long but it worked fine for me
polish/brush mix
